Nonchafing catamenial pad



oct. 1, 1946. Jjp. CANAVAN NON-CHAFING CATAMENIAL PAD Filed Dec. 1, 1942 maw/M 4 Sheets-Sheet l Aly/7A APF/@Araki 0E Rian/M Oct. l, 1946.

J. P. cANAvAN NON-CHAFING CATAMENIL PAD Filed Deo. l, 1942 i 24: 'MT

4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Jlj? Canal/dll eww,

Oct ,1, 1946- J. P'. CANAVAN- NON-CHAFING CATAMENIAL PAD Filed Dee.l 1, 1942 4 sheets-sheet 4 n* Jahn. 'zzdawg Patented Oct. 1, 1946 UNITED STATES lrrrElSrrv OFFICE Y Application December 1, 1942, Serial No. 467,491

(Cl. 12S-290) 3 Claims.

This application is a continuation-impart of my application Serial No. 263,596 filed March 23J 1939, and entitled Nonchaflng catamenial pad which in turn is a continuation-impart of my earlier liled application Serial No. 236,675 filed October 24, 1938, and Yentitled Catamenial pad.

This invention relates to catamenial pads and more generally vto sanitary bandages to be worn f by women during the menstrual period or by those subjected to vulva, vaginal, or uterine dis` charges. j l

At thepresent time .'(and for a great many years in the past) the most common form of sanitarypad or napkin commercially available for use by women during the menstrual period consists of a generally oblong, arcuate ended pad of absorbent material enclosed in a sheet of loosely woven gauze. These pads are of standard dimensions, approximately 9 inches longrand 3 inches Wide' for adult use (the junior size being slightly smaller). In view of their configuration and width such pads inherently cause considerable discomfort to the wearer, and very often chang, due to the fact that they must be worn` laterally compressed, or bunched, or packed between the thighs. Moreover, due to theirI length, theyY extend rearwardly of the rectum a rectum whichfcreates a source of continuous discomfort, particularly when the wearer is seated.

This wad not only causes discomfort, but dise numerous suggestions and variations in sanitaryV napkin construction but none of these has been commercially adopted toY supplant the wellknown, conventional form of catamenial pad.

The above mentioned width and length of conventional catamenial pads and their customary manner of being worn have been predicated upon the belief that it is essential to have a substantial portion of the pad extend rearwardly of the rectum in order to absorb the material discharged from the uterus, etc., it being thev common and generally accepted belief that the discharged material travels downwardly and rearwardly through the pad by gravity. `I have discovered that, contrary to thek foregoing generally accepted belief, the absorbing action of the pad is such that it causes the discharged material to travel forwardly and upwardly by capillary acconsiderable 'distance and produce a wad at the' Y tion rather than downwardly and rearwardly by 5a gravity. I have also found by actual tests and the study of the female anatomy that it is unnecessary for the pad to extend beyond the rear end of the Derineum'or to be of too great a width at this point because of the natural relations. On the basis of this knowledge I have devised a catamenial pad, which is a radical departure from conventional pads now in universal use but which provides the same degree of safety as said conventional pads, and at the same time eliminates al1 chang and discomfort due to the excessive bulk of said conventiona1 pads.

According to the principles of the present infA vention, the absorbent pad is given a predetermined shape such that it substantially conforms in contour with the natural anatomical curves of the body inthe region of the female genitalia comprising the thighs, buttocks andperineum parts; Furthermore, the pad is considerably shorter than conventional pads land is made ofk such length that it is adapted to be worn with its rearmost region terminating at the anal aperture and its forwardy region terminating at apoint slightly beyond the mons Veneris'.

The principal advantages of the present invention, obviously, are two-fold. First, all discomfort tothe wearer from the pad per se is definitely eliminated, and, secondly, the pad can be manufactured at a substantial saving due to the fact that at least 30% less absorbent material is required. Additional and commercially important advantages arise from the'fact that less gauze is required to wrap the absorbent pad, smaller cartons may be used in shipment and the shipping costs themselves materially reduced due to the smaller weight and bulk of the product. Still greater economy can be effected by eliminating the gauze altogether, as will appear more fully hereinafter.

Another novel feature of the present catamenial device isvthe incorporation therein of a supporting strip of predetermined ,width which extends longitudinally ofl the absorbent pad along the lower side thereof and which is adapted to maintain said pad laterally substantially flat and thereby prevent roping and twisting of said pad. In one formv of the invention the pad and supporting strip are enclosed in a gauze sheet or enf velope, and in accordancewith another form of the invention the longitudinal edges of the gauze sheet are so overlapped as to provide in effect a built in longitudinal band rendering the use of a separatefsupporting strip unnecessary.

A further rfeature of the invention resides in improved moistureproong of certain parts of the catamenial pad.

A still further feature resides in the provision of an improvement in catarnenial pads to render such pads non-chang even during body movements caused by walking that normally results in chang caused by friction with the natural anatomical curves of the body in the region of the female external genitalia comprising the thighs, buttocks, and peri-anal parts.

The principal object of the present invention is to provide a catamenial pad which will eliminate all discomfort to the wearer.

Another object of the invention is to improve the construction of catamenial pads by providing features that preclude chang to the wearer.

Another object is to provide a catamenial pad possessed of improved non-chang features to eliminate frictional edge contact with the natural anatomical curves of the body in the region of the female external genitalia comprising the thighs, buttocks and perineum occurring in the relatively changing positions of the body occasioned in walking and other movements.

Still another object is to provide a catamenial pad with a non-chai'lng finish affording the wearer increased comfort through the elimination of skin iniiammation in the contact regions of the female external genitalia, thighs and perineum.

A further object is the provision of a catamenial pad envelope compositely incorporated with a moistureproof substance to afford smooth non-chang contact with the adjacent contour of the female parts and thus afford greater physical comfort.

A still further object is the provision of a catamenial pad envelope compositely incorporated with a moistureproof substance that precludes the possible striking through of the menstrual flow under conditions that are sometimes beyond the control of the wearer.

Still a further object is the provision of a sanitary catamenial pad envelope compositely incorporated with an impervious substance to prevent uterine discharge from striking through the absorbent cellular pad which may consist of less material than heretofore thought necessary and is conducive to even greater comfort with increased absorbent effectiveness.

An additional object is to provide a catamenial pad envelope compositely incorporated with a moistureproof substance to prevent menstrual excretion from striking therethrough and provide non-chafing body contacting surfaces conducive to added physical and mental comfort of the wearer.

Other objects and advantages will appear from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic, dimensioned, cross-sectional View of the female pelvic region showing the uterus, vaginal canal, etc.;

Figure 2 is an elevational view of the external genitalia;

Figure 3 is a dimensioned, plan view of a preferred form of pad element, the dimensions given being such as to include a satisfactory range for junior as well as regular and super size pads;

Figure 4 is a diagrammatic view illustrating the manner in which pad elements of the type shown in Figure 3 may be cut from sheet or strip material in mass production;

Figure 5 is a top plan view of a complete catamenial device having non-chafmg edges embodying features of the present invention;I

fit

Figure 6 is a transverse sectional View taken substantially along line G-S of Figure 5;

Figure 7 is a plan view of the catamenial device shown in Figure 5, except for the gauze envelope which is opened to expose the absorbent pad normally confined therein;

Figure 8 is a diagrammatic, dimensioned, view of a commercially feasible absorbent pad element for adult use, shown superimposed upon a conventional pad element to facilitate comparison in size and shape;

Figure 9 is a top plan View of a modified embodiment of the catamenial pad shown in Figure 5 with the bottom gauze sheet of the envelope opened to clarify the showing of a moistureproof lower region to prevent striking through;

Figure 10 is a transverse sectional view through a pad of the type shown in Figure 9;

Figure 11 is a plan view of a catamenial device having the enclosing gauze sheet so folded along the underside vof the -pad as to eliminate the use of the supporting strip shown in Figures 5 and 9;

Figure 12 is an exaggerated cross-sectional View of only the gauze sheet of Figure 11 illustrating one manner in which said gauze sheet may be folded to provide a plurality of layers of fabric at the underside of the pad adapted to serve as a substantially non-stretchable supporting band;

Figure 13 is a view similar to Figure 12 illustrating another manner of folding the gauze sheet;

Figure 14 is a dimensioned plan view of a slightly modified form of pad element;

Figure l5 is a view of the lower side of another pad construction embodying the principles of the present invention in which the gauze wrapper is only of slightly greater length than the absorbent pad and in which the supporting strip or band is adhesively secured to the pad;

Figure 16 is an enlarged view of the absorbent pad and'gauze wrapper shown in Figure l5;

Figure 17 is an inverted sectional view taken on the line ll-H of Figure 15 and illustrating by exaggerated thicknesses the relationship of the overlapping edges of the gauze wrapper, and

the relative positions of the adhesive material and the supporting strip before the parts are adhesively bonded by heat and pressure;

Figure 18 is a plan view of another embodiment of the invention wherein the gauze wrapper is entirely dispensed with;

Figure 19 is a sectional view taken on the line ila-I9 of Figure 18; and

Figure 20 is a view similar to Figure 19 but illustrates a further modification in which the adhesive material is extended around the side edges of the pa-d to present non-Charing surfaces.

The catamenial structure selected for illustration comprises a preformed pad HJ or a plurality of superposed pads I9, in this instance, three, preferably stamped or otherwise shaped from cellular or other highly absorbent material. In the preferred embodiment, the pad or pads l0 are preferably though not essentially provided with an enlarged forward end region Il that approximates the width of the standard c-atamenial pad l0" (Figure 8), the forward end region ll terminating, in this instance, in a curved edge l2 imparting a semicircular contour which merges into converging side edges i5 and I4. The inclined converging side edges i3 and I4 extend for a distance to define a comparatively smaller rearward end region I5 which, in this instance, terminates in a semicircular rearward end i6. A trapezoidal region I5 connects the end regions 5 Ilyand I5. fThef-rearward'regions I5 and 'I5 are shaped' to conform more. nearly to tthe'anatomical 'contour of l the external' genital region, and "avoid undesirable roping, twisting :and

packing..v

Inf'Figure' 1, the various portions ofthe female n pelvic region are diagrammatically shown in cross-section and respectively labeled Uterusj` Vagina canal,` Bladder, fRectum, Labia minor-a, Labia'majoraj etc., to illustrate `rthe course of the menstrual flow from where it or-v iginatesin the uterus.V Thus, the flow is, down-L trates average dimensions from the recturnto theV mons Veneris as determined from many actual measurements of the'female vulva. An interestingl conclusion from the many measurements made vis that the size of the female genitalia does not vary in direct'proportion to the size of the individual during the'child bearing period of a womans life. As shown in Figure 1, the over-al1 distance' from the anus or rectum to the mons Veneris over the outer curved surface of the vulva is approximately 5 inches. The dis-` tance in a straight line, orin projection, from the anus to the fossa'navicularis is about 11A inches, from the fossa navicularis to the clitoris is about. 2 inches,.and from 4'the clitoris tothe mons Veneris is'about 11/2 inches. Hence, in constructing pads embodyingv the principles of the present invention, the pad isi madel sufficiently in excess f 5 inches, say 6to 71/2.inches, to adequately-cover the parts. n

Referring now to Figure`2, the measurements of the vulva, from side to side, is approximately 1/2 inch in the posterior faucet, about 11A inches at the vaginal "opening, `about 2% inches at the clitoris, and about 2 inches at `the mons Veneris. These measurements are taken from the outer margin'of one .labia majora to the outer margin of the, other, and serve as the .basis :for deter# mining the Vwidth of the rearward region of the absorbent pad. f v

Upon referenceto Figure it will be noted that the wide substantially semicircular front region II of the pad Illmay be formed upon a radius of 1?/8 to 11/2 inches `so that' the width of this portion of-the padl may be made anywhere from 21,41 to 3 inches. The radius ofthe substantially semicircular rear region I5 of the pad' I0 is indicated as varying from 1/2 to 1 inch so that the width of said rear end regionfmay vary from'l to 2 inches. The front and rear regions are connected by a substantially trapezoidal region I5.' The over-all dimension of th pad is indicated as 6 to 7%; inches. Y `The dimensions given include-a range whic is satisfactory for the "junior size pad,'which may be made by using the lower limits,V andthe regular or super size, which may be made by using the upper limits. However, a pad having dimensions falling within theV given ranges is quite satisfactory. Such pad is illustrated in Figure 8 and will be discussed in further detail hereinafter.

Figure 4 villustrates one manner in which the absorbent pad element I0 may be cut in mass production from a long strip of material X, with the. Only wasteoccurring at the .rounded end portions I2'and'I6 of the pad. A machine (not: shown) is adapted to quickly stamp out the pad elements I0 :from the strip X so thatthe adjacent padsare reversed, that is to say, the wide end region II of one pad is adjacent the narrow end region I5 of the next pad, and vicel versa.

In order to support the absorbent pad or pads I Il inoperative position over the female genitalia between lthe thighs and buttocks, an elongated supporting 'strip lI'l (Fig. 5) of material pos'- sessing appre'ciably' greater tensile strengthy than the absorbent pad or pads l0 and preferably of moistureproof material, is disposed longitudinally therebeneath'and projects therebeyond for a'distance'suilcient to be looped through or engaged bythe forward and rearward end members of the usual or any suitable or' standard sanitary belt appliance (not shown) worn for that purpose. The elongated narrow striprll' may be cut or otherwisev shaped 'from paper, closely woven fabrics, or non-absorbent sheet material such as rubber, C'ellophane, Celluloid, treated fabrics or paper and ordinary fabrics impregnated with vm'oistureproof substances such asparaine, wax, A, rubber, Celluloid or a combination of these substances. A suitable substancefor this purpose is sold by YThe Menasha Products Co., Menasha,

Y Wisconsin, under the trade name of Paraiilm,

the wrapper of which bears the following patent numbers: 2,054,112, 2,054,114, 2,054,115, 2,074,- 319, 2,075,927, and 2,077,299. The longitudinal supporting strip i1 preferably is of a lesser width than the enlarged forward end II of the pads l0 and no 'greater or approximatelyequal in width to the rearward end I5.` Thus, the strip Il forms a support underlying the major portion of the area ofthe pad `I0 to prevent roping andtwisting of the pad in use. The provision of the longitudinal strip yI'I of moistureproof material serves not only to afford added support for absorbent pad'or pads I0 in operative position, but also prevents the' Astriking through ofV uterine discharge to the down side of a fabric envelope I8 serving as a covering therefor.

To this' end, a large mesh fabric sheet such as gauze I8 of substantially rectangular congu'ratiornf is 'folded aroundV the pacl'or pads I0 and theirv longitudinal supporting strip I'I to constitute 'an overlapping rectangular envelope therefor. Y"Thegauze'envelope I8 is, in this instance,` commensurate in length with the strip I'I `and provides extensionsv I 8 and I8b adapted to be attached to the usual sanitary belt fastener members (not shown) in conjunction with the ends of the narrow strip I'I so that the envelope I8 serves to maintain the pad or pads I0 together with the strip I1 in their initial assembled relation'. zThe longitudinal side edges Iii-28 of the gauze envelope I 8 will span the pad or pads I0 along vthe straight' line commensurate with 'the widest portionthereof to fill 'and provide utmost lateral resiliencyand self conformity with the relatively curved. and varying contour of the external femalegenitalia without causing any roping, twisting, packing ordiscomfort of any kind to the wearer. This provides an envelope I8 that very. nearly conforms to the rearward side ofthe pad or' pads I0 save for slight lateral excess regions' 2| 'and Y22` 'that'fold underneath the, pad orA pads Ill when their Yenvelope I8 is applied inV operative position to the peri-anal region ofthefernale body.

,i In view of thefact that the pad I0 isto be worn with the' rear endl region I5 terminating atithe'z'anus, the forward gauze extension I8a may 7 bemade shorter than the .rear extension IIlb; This aids' a user unfamiliarwith the newtype of pad to automaticallyapply it in the proper manner since the pad I will` not be properly positioned relative t0. the vulva if the extension I8a is disposed toward the rear.

An important feature of the supporting strip II is that it is more stable than the loosemesh gauze envelope I8 and, therefore, is not subject to ready distortion as is said envelope. Hence, the supporting strip is thus capable of preventing the roping and twisting, above referred to.

Another important feature of the supporting strip I'I is that it serves to prevent roping of the rear extension I8b inv the gluteal. fold, the result of which would normally be to produce a cutting effect creating considerable discomfort to the wearer. i'

It should be appreciated. that the thickness of the individual pad I I! or of a plurality of superposed pads i0 can be varied to meet the requirements of absorption and such depends entirely upon the dictates of commercial practice and the Ycapacity of the particular absorbent material that is selected. As has `been stated, the area of the pads Il! is substantially reduced in over-all size from standard oatamenial pads now almost universally used and this elimination of excess mass is facilitated by resort to the comparatively narrow longitudinal strip I'I of moistureproof material. The moistureproofstrip I'I eliminates excessive body in the pads normally thought necessary for support and inherent tensile requirements, and, further, serves to insure against striking through of the menstrual iiow and uterine discharges.

In vorder to eliminate any possible discomfort caused by chafing and dermatitis in that portion of the thighs` at the attachment of the abductor muscles on the ischial tuberosity and between. the buttocks in the peri-.anal region, the body contacting edges I3-I4 of the gauze envelope I8 are provided with a glazed or smooth finish surface regions 23-24. The vsmooth non-friction edge lining regions 2li-24 preferably adhere or constitute a composite part of the gauze I8 to constitute a continuous body contacting `'ribbon having a rearwardly extending longitudinal median projection defining a central upper lap 25.r To this end, the smooth finishv ribbon body contacting liner 23-24-25 preferably consists of a moistureproof material that is normally soft, smooth and stable at body temperatures Aand may advantageously be applied in Athe form of acomposite film of paraffin, rubber, Celluloid, Cellophane or a combination thereof, lor any' other suitable material, such as Parailm, supra, possessed of similar functional characteristics. This smooth, soft and moistureproof liner 23-24-25 may be associated with the gauze envelope .I8 by impregnation pressure application or thermally controlled composite processing to fill the voids of the gauze envelope I8 in the edge. and upper longitudinal rearward region `during or after the fabrication thereof.,

It should be noted that the moistureproof liner ribbon 23-24 extends forwardlyv along the body contacting edge outlines I3-I4 of envelope I8 substantially ,to the forward limit point where side edges I3--I4 converge into curved forward end region I I of the pad or pads I0. The central upper lap 25 of substantiallyv rectangularconfiguration is, in this instance, formed integrally with edge outlines I3--I4v of liner 23-24-25` and extendsl rearwardly alongenvelope I8A for an effective and .suitable .distance sufficient to cover the: usual length of the female. perineum,v Thev association. of the fabric envelope I8 with thev moistureproof liner 2,3-24-25may be accomplished simultaneous with the fabrication,;manu facturing or formation of the envelope I8` with the pad or pads I0 during a selected Vor appro-v priate step in the production thereof. Ii found;

advantageous or should commercial practice so dictate, the preformed ribbon-like moistureproof liner 23-24-25 may be applied to the finished gauze enveloped catamenialpad Hl'by pressure application in the presence orV absence. of heat. 'I'he extent, outline and location of the friction eliminating surface 23-24-25 may be varied to accomplish maximum comfort and minimum rubbing during bodymovement.

Referring now to Figure 8, atypical absorbent` pad element I0 is shown superimposed upon vai conventional pad element I0" in order to graphically illustrate the tremendous saving in material resultingv from the present invention. The conventional pad I0 is illustratedr with arcuate ends cut upon a radius of 11/2 inches, the overall length of the pad being 9 inches. The pad IIla-, which has dimensions that have been shown by numerous actual tests to give highly satisfactory results, is provided with a forward endregion I I8' having a radius of 1% inches and a rear end region I5a having a radius of "/8 of an inch, the overall length of the pad being 7 inches.

From simple arithmetic the area of the: con-- ventional pad will be found to be 25.06. square' inches and the area of the pad Ill* will' bev found to be 15.41 square inches. The-'difference in these areasy is 9.65 square inches, and calculated inpercentage, the pad IIIa requires 38.4% lessmaterial than the conventional pad Ill. Expressed an other way, the material required to make 10.00 conventional pads I0 would .make 1613 of the pads Illa'.

In the modified embodiment shown in Figures 9 and 10, the moistureproof liner 23-24.'-25 is provided with a laterally extending. moistureimpervious under-flap 26. The under-flap or moisture impervious surface 2B' is of substantially rectangular configuration formed integrally with4 the side edge surfacing ribbon 24. The underflap 26 extends laterally for a distance sufficient to cover the lower side of gauze envelope I8 when the open meshy fabric sheet I8 is folded over to envelop the absorbent pad or pads I0' and. theirI moistureproof longitudinal supporting strip I1' to constitute a rectangular enclosure or envelopev therefor;

As in the first described embodiment, a substantially rectangular central upper lap 25 is formed as a rearwardy longitudinalV median extension of the smooth substantially U-shaped edge liners 23-24', therebyy defining a continuous body contacting ribbon 23-24-25' and a protective under-flap 26, that insures against moisture striking throughv the pad or'pads I0. It is clear that the length and lateral extent of the. moistureproof and smooth surface liners 23" 24-2526' may vary within a wide range; however, the edge liners 23-24" extend forwardly to the merger point of the outwardly-com verging side edgesr If3-I4 of pad I 0 With the forward curved end I2" thereof. Such may be modified to meet the requirements of commercial practice and the best results consistent with their intended purpose,

Figures 11 and 1'2 illustrate still another modified c'atamenial pad construction in which the supporting strip per se is eliminated and the gauze sheet or envelope is so wrapped and folded around the absorbent pad as to provide, for eX- ample, four overlapping layers of fabric on the under side thereof which serve as a built-in band-like support preventing twisting Yand roping of the otherwise loosely woven gauze envelope when in use.

As shown, a gauze sheet 29 extends in a single layer 30 over the upper surface of a pad I0d and has a portion 3| which runs along the lower side of said pad and is folded at 32 to provide a reversely extending fiap 33 overlying the portion 3|. The gauze wrapper 29 also has a portion 34 adjacent the flap 33 which in turn is folded at 35 to provide a second iiap 36. Thus, four layers of fabric 3|, 33, 34 and 3E extend alongthe underside of the pad |06, said layers forming in effect an integral band having suicient tensile strength to prevent Aany appreciable stretching or distortion of the gauze envelope and thus serve as a substitute'for the supporting strip I1. It will be apparent from Figure 11 that the overlapped portions 3|, 33,34 ,and 36' have a minimum width equal to that of the narrowest or rear end region I5d of the pad |06. j;

Figure 13 diagrammatically illustrates another manner of foldingV thegauze sheet 29 wherein the ilaps 33V and 36 are folded in interlocking relation. y A e Figure 14 illustrates an yabsorbent pad element |b having a contour slightly different from the pad Velement 0 shown in Figure 3, but which, nevertheless, is capable of carrying out the principles o f the present invention. In this modified form of pad |0b, the side edges |316 Vand I4b do not converge throughout the length of the pad, but merely converge from the enlarged forward endA region Il"4 to an intermediate point indicated byv the line 40 and then extend substantially parallel to the rearmostextremity of said pad.

As illustrated, the front end portion ||b may be kformed on a radius of 11A;A toll/2 inches, whereas the rear end region, I'?l is formed substantially rectangularand has a width of 1 to 2 inches andA a length of 11A to 21A; inches. The portion of the' pad fl ll16 between the substantially semicircular forward endmportion IIb and the substantially rectangular rear end region I5b is substantially trapezoidal, andtheoverall length of the Apad may `vary from d to ^7 1/2 inches. Y

-. 1t willbeunderstod` that the absorbent pad 4element |06 shown inFigure 14 is adapted to be associated with agauze sheet vand supporting strip similar to that shown and describedv in Aconnection with Figures 5 and 9. Alternatively, the pad |0b` may be employed with a-gauze sheet folded about said pad in vthe Amanner shown in either Figure 12 or 13. f

`Figures 15, 16 and `17 illustratefanother ems.

bodiment of the invention byfmeans of which a maximum ofsaving in both pad material and in the gauzewrapper can be effected. `In this form of the invention an absorbent pad |06 is enclosed in an abbreviated loose mesh Agauze, sheet or wrapper |86, which preferably does not extend more than half ,aninch beyondthe ends |26 and |6 Y of said pad. The-gauze sheet I8e has longitudinal edge portions 40 and 4| ,which overlap on the underside of the pad, as is best illustrated in Figure. 17. v. A flat longitudinal supporting strip or band-|16 of relatively Acloser weave and greater ytensile strength than the wrapper |86 is disposed `adjacent ,the` overlapped portions 40 and 4 ofthe gauze wrapper. A' strip. ofParailm? 42, which:

overlapped edges 40 and 4| of the gauze wrapper A |86, as shown in Figure 17. The pad |06, wrapper |86 andsupporting strip |16 are all bonded together by the strip of Paraiilm 42 upon the application of heat and pressure, it being understood that the heated Paraflmf will permeate said gauze wrapper and form a direct bond between said pad and supporting strip, thereby effecting a slight change'in the relation of the parts shown in Figure 17. In this manner, the wrapper |86 is positively maintained about the pad |0e and the wrapped pad is secured in. predetermined Aassembled relation to the supporting strip |1e. Y Thejsupporting strip 11.6, as inthe previous constructions, may be made of water resistant material, or not, as desired, but in the instant modification need not of itself be moisture-proof inasmuch as the strip of rParaiilm 42 serves thev further purpose of moisture prooi-lng said supporting `strip and thereby prevent striking through. Also, as inl the previous constructions, the side edges of the wrapped pad may be ,made non-chang and moisture resistant, if desired. It will be noted from Figure 15 that the strip |16 is preferably not wider than the narrow end |66 of the pad |06 and that said supporting strip extends rearwardly a greater distance from said pad thanfforwardly, whereby to aid in properly positioning the rear end of said pad so that it does not extend rearwardly beyond the anus.

Alternatively, the supporting strip |16 obviously may be disposed in contact withY the pad |06; the strip of Paralm 42 placed incontact with the supporting strip |16; and the edge portions 40 l and 4| of the gauze wrapper overlapped upon the strip of Paralm and all of the parts secured togetherl in predetermined assembled relation by heatand pressure, without departing from the principles of the Vpresent invention.

It is believed that the saving in wrapping material effected by the construction shown in Figures 15 to 17 will bemanifest when the factis considered `that the wrapping on the conventional Kotex pad is approximately 191/2 inches long and 91/2 inches wide and has an area of 185.05 square inchesgwhereas the gauze sheet or wrapper |86 at most will notbe longer than 81/2 inches and `not more than about 7 inches wide, the area of such sheet being 59,1/2 square inches.` Considering the material employed vinv the supporting strip |16, suchstripk may be made about 191/2 inches long at most .and about 2 inches wide, and thus have an area of 39 square inches. When this is added to the area of the material of the gauze sheet` |86 a total area of 981/2 square inches of material is needed, compared with the 185.05 square inches of material in the conventional pad. In other words, the present invention, even when employing. the maximum amountof fabric, requires less than one-half of the material now employed in the Wrapper of conventional pads. The vast amount of material saved bythe abbreviated absorbent pad element per se has alreadybeen emphasized. When the saving in material of both the wrapper and. pad element are combinedthe economy effected is obviously enormous. J u Y Figures 18 and 19 illustrate still another embodimentof the invention in which even greater saving is eiected by thetotal elimination Vof the gauze sheet or wrapper. This further saving is'ef- -fected by. employing an absorbent pad |0f of material which will not disintegrate in the presence of moisture, such as, for example the absorbent cotton felt disclosed in copending application, Serial No, 457,456 led on September 5, 1942 and entitled Absorbent felt. In view of the fact that said cotton felt will not disintegrate in the presence of moisture, as is the case with the cellucotton now used in conventional pads, no wrapper is needed to hold the pad together while in use.

As is best shown in Figure 19, a flat supporting strip or band llf, whose width is approximately equal to that of the narrowest portion of the pad idf, is adhesively bonded to the underside of said pad by a strip of Parai-llm 43 which need be no longer than the length of said pad. The strip of Parai-llm 43 will effect bonding of the pad lf and the supporting strip I'l in the desired predetermined relation upon application of heat and pressure, as aforedescribed. However, in addition to bonding the pad If and strip I'If together, the strip of Paralm 43 serves also as a moisture proong medium to prevent striking through. The edges of the pad Inf may be provided with a suitable non-Charing coating, if desired, or the strip of Paraiilrn 43 may be extended around the side edges of the pad as indicated at Ml in Figure for this purpose.

The structures described herein are designed not only to give maximum protection and comfort, but also conform to modern manufacturing methods, create an appreciable saving in material, accomplish a definite economy in manufacture, and provide maximum absorption in the region where such is required without the usual cliang and striking through defects of known catamenial pads. Then, too, the built-in band or the separate center longitudinal strip which extends for the entire length of the pad including its gauze envelope, serves to prevent chang due to roping or bunching of the pad, adds security to the user, discourages striking through of any moisture to the lower side of the gauze envelope, increases invisibility when worn beneath scant clothing, prevents the hair on the vulva from becoming enmeshed in the gauze covering the pad, prevents roping of the gauze extensions and thereby eliminates undesirable cutting or chaflng in the gluteal fold, increases the security of fas tening and holding the pad or pads in position, and minimizes the size and thickness of the pad or pads.

Catamenial pads have a tendency to move forwardly during the act of walking, and the provision of a center supporting strip with the selected outline of the pad or pads Ill-.41|e prevents such forward displacement. The additiona1 feature of a smooth, glazed coating or covering of moisture proof material on the lateral edge and rearward portion of the pad, affords non-channg contact with the upper regions of the wearers thighs and perineum, results in a tremendous improvement in comfort by the elimination of chang and consequent dermatitis or skin inflammation.

Then, too, the feature of sealing the under-side of the pad or pads throughout the absorption area with a moistureproof composition prevents the striking through of moisture which is annoying, uncomfortable and often results in uncontrolled soiling of adjacent articles of clothing. Furthermore the moisture is prevented from striking through the lateral sides of the pad which often infiarnes the skin and results in a most unsantary condition.

Various changes may be made in the` embodiments of the invention Vherein specifically described without departing from the invention or sacricing any of the advantages or features thereof, and nothing herein shall be construed as limitation upon the invention, its structural embodiment or concept as to the whole or any part thereof except as dened in the amended claims. Moreover, it will be understood that certain of the features disclosed herein may be advantageously incorporated in conventional pad manu facture, and hence, the invention is not to be construed as limited to the specic constructions illustrated herein as operative examples vof the invention.

I claim:

1. A catamenial device comprising: a pad of predetermined shape including a body of absorbent material of substantially uniform thickness having a narrow rear end region, a relatively wider front end region, and an intermediate region of non-uniform width connecting said front and rear regions and providing converging side edges between said front and rear regions, said intermediate and rear end regions being sized and shaped to fit against and conform to the anatomical contour of the external genitalia and the adjacent parts of the inner thighs of the wearer without any substantial lateral compression of said absorbent pad, the over-all length of said absorbent pad being such as to extend from the anus to a point slightly beyond the mons Veneris; and an open mesh gauze sheet of substantially greater length than said absorbent pad enclosing said pad and providing extensions extending rearwardly and forwardly of the ends of said pad adapted to be secured to a suitable sanitary belt, one thickness of said gauze sheet overlying the upper surface of said absorbent pad, the side edges of said sheet being folded in overlapping relation along the lower surface of said pad to provide more than two thicknesses of fabric, said overlapped portions being of a width approximately equal to the narrow rear end region of said absorbent pad and serving as a band-like support underlying the maior portion of the area of said pad to prevent roping and twisting of said pad in use and to further provide a rearward gauze extension which will not` rope and produce a cutting eiect in the gluteal fold, said pad being adapted to be worn with the narrow rear end region terminati-ngatv the anus, whereby'the usual bunching and packing rearwardly of the anus isl eliminated-and the discomfort to the'wearer incident thereto is avoided.

2. A catamenial device comprising: a pad of predetermined shape including a body of absorbentmaterial of substantially uniform thickness having a substantially semicircular forward end region formed on a radius of about 11A; to 11/2 inches, a substantially semicircular rear end region formed on a radius of about 1/2 to one inch, andV a substantially trapezoidal region connecting said substantially semicircularend regions, said absorbent pad having an over-all length of about 6 to '7 1/2 inches, said overall length of said pad being such as to extendA from the anus to a point slightly beyond the mons Veneris; and an openY mesh gauze` sheet of substantially Vgreater length than said absorbent pad enclosing said pad and providing extensions extending rearwardly and forwardly ofthe ends of said-pad adapted to be secured to a suitablesanitary belt, one` thickness of said gauze'sheet overlyingA the upper surface ofy said absorbent pad, the side Y edges of said sheet being folded in overlapping relation along the lower surface of said pad to provide four thicknesses of fabric, said overlapped portions having a width of 1 to 2 inches, but in any event being of a width approximately equal to the diameter of the narrow rear end region ofy said absorbent pad, said overlapped portions serving as a band-like support underlying the major portion of the area of said pad to prevent roping and twisting of said pad in use and to further provide a rearward gauze extension which will not rope and produce a cutting effect in the gluteal fold, said pad being adapted to be worn with the narrow rear end region termi'- nai-,ing at the anus, whereby the usual bunching and packing rearwardly of the anus is eliminated and the discomfort to the wearer incident thereto is avoided.

3. A catamenial device comprising: an absorbent pad of substantially uniform thickness; and means providing a longitudinal band-like support along the underside of said pad comprising a gauze envelope having reversely folded edge portions providing overlapping layers of fabric of substantial width arranged medially of the side edges of said pad.

JOHN P. CANAVAN. 

